The Florian at Lyric Opera 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

"Star ratings are a problematic way to rate online. We all know that five stars means someone was really satisfied, a one star means someone was unhappy...but almost no one leaves a 3 star review for an average experience. Also, Star ratings are relevant to the type of place. A 5 star hot dog stand isn't the same as a 5 star fine dining establishment. All that is to say, this rating is contextual for what The Florian is within context. The biggest reason to choose The Florian is its location at the Lyric. The sheer convenience of being to stroll out the door directly to your seats is...delicious. The ability to order snacks and drinks in advance and have them available at your table, ready and waiting is even more delightful. Service when I was there with my daughter was great. The place was packed, but food and drinks were ordered and delivered promptly. More impressive, when I had to cancel our intermission reservation, I called to let them know, but no one answered...until they called me back! They were very understanding, and I was impressed they had taken the time to call, just based on a missed call with no message. The food ranges from good to above average, with a few low points. The prime rib, sauce, and mashed potatoes were tasty and well made. The accompanying mushrooms were under seasoned, though, and rather unappetizing as a result. The starter salad was a surprising high point, though, perfectly seasoned with interesting textures and flavors and one of the best dressings I've had of late. Prices are fairly high, I should note. Not way out of line, but higher than they're be for similar fare at another location So, is this fine dining five stars? No, it isn't going to compare with some of Chicago's best restaurants...but for its location, yes. Ultimately, this rating reflects that I intend to return as my default when we get to attend shows at the Lyric. I'd say to give it a shot."

"Opera intermission at the Florian just changed the game! We pre-ordered drinks and dessert and it was ready at a table for us the minute we arrived. Instead of stressfully standing in line for a drink and rushing to finish it like usual, we spent the intermission relaxed and peacefully enjoying drinks and dessert (which was delicious). Won’t do an opera any other way again!"

"Everything was wonderful from the minute we got there till the end of the evening. The food & service were excellent. Started with an amuse-bouche then enjoyed tomato soup along with fantastic bread that was served with two kinds of butter, sea salt butter & Parmesan pepper butter, both fantastic. We enjoyed the pancetta with parsnip purée. Wine and cocktails were excellent. Our coffee and olive oil cake we’re waiting for us when we returned during intermission. All excellent. I will definitely do it again!"

"Pleasantly surprised meal with outstanding service and nicely crafted cocktails. I read some previous reviews and had not expected much. I wanted to eat here before a performance and because of the history. Entrance is near the valet stand go in and you show your ticket for the night and you're escorted to the third floor. A small but nicely updated dinning room awaits. A few things to note. When you make reservations you're asked to choose your main from a Prefix menu. Great choices from fish to pasta to a prime rib. I ordered the prime but when I arrived, the bread and the tomato soup was excellent and filled me a bit so I changed my main (not a problem) to a tortellini. Which turned out to be excellent and hit the spot. My husband had the sea bass and it was flaky, moist and cooked very well. The sides were fingerling potatoes and a nice salad. I heard the menu is seasonal so it changes. That evening we started with a complementry Amuse-bouche of a beet panacotta with some nutty tones. This was for the evenings performance of Frankenstein. ( Frankenstein's monster foraging in the forest) . I am a fan of this dining experience and will make this my choice when I attend future performances at the Opera house. One of the other perks is you get preferred entry to the hall in addition you can preselect cocktails and snacks for the intermission and they await you at your table. Super nice to have cocktails and a place to sit. Big shout out to our server Colin who recommended a lovely white for the fish. Did I mention they have an excellent selection of wine by the glass and bottle."

"High quality food and attentive service! The Florian is under new management and redesigned. Tonight was their opening night! The prime rib was perfectly done with amazing flavors. We ordered the brussel sprouts with feta and cranberries and the garlic mashed potatoes. They were absolutely delicious. They are located on the third floor of the Lyric opera house. Enter through the box office doors. We had 5pm reservations and had to ask them to let us in because they typically don't open the doors until 5:30. We felt it was worth the cost for the quality, convenience and service."